Shoe heel engagement support system and method for using the same

ABSTRACT

A heel engaging support system for use in a shoe may include a heel backing portion; a tongue portion that is generally transverse to the heel backing portion; and at least one predetermined stress concentration line along at least one of the heel backing portion and the tongue portion to facilitate predictable bending of the at least one of the heel backing portion and the tongue portion at the at least one predetermined stress concentration line. The heel backing portion and the tongue portion may be formed from an elastomeric material having a modulus of elasticity for user comfort.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application relates to and claims priority from U.S. Prov. Ser. No. 62/198,928 filed Jul. 30, 2015 and from U.S. Prov. Ser. No. 62/269,256 filed Dec. 18, 2015, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

This application relates to, but does not claim priority from, U.S. Prov. Pat. App. No. 62/146,491 filed Apr. 13, 2015, U.S. Prov. Pat. App. No. 62/146,683 filed Apr. 13, 2015, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Technical Field

The present disclosure generally relates to an improved shoe heel engagement support system and method for using the same. More particularly, the present disclosure provides a shoe heel engagement system with ready adaptability to a variety of footwear systems and uses with improved comfort.

Description of the Related Art

The related art involves a series of elastomeric inner sticky tapes that are secured to the inner portion of a shoe-heel. Such inner tapes are uniformly thin and when curved may tend to buckle and cause chafing and later shoe irritation.

Referring to FIG. 1, a conventional shoe 10 includes a cup shaped heel 11 having a heel height ∝, which may be for example approximately 2 inches (or approximately 5 cm), and a toe box 12. As shown, the shoe 10 is on a ground plane G from which the heel height ∝ to a heel seat 13 is measured. The heel seat 13 is shown to be inclined upwardly at an angle X, which may be approximately 12-15 degrees relative to the ground plane G. Commonly a shank-reinforced midsole region 15, which is between the heel 11 and the toe box 12, is angled downwardly and forwardly of the shoe 10 from the heel seat 11 at an angle Z.

As will be appreciated, a conventionally shape high-heeled shoe, such as the shoe 10 described above with reference to FIG. 1, places the wearer's foot F (shown with inner bone structures) essentially on an inclined plane. This urges the foot F forward by gravity toward the toe box 12 when the wearer is standing or walking, and also loosens the cup shaped heel 11 as the heel H of the foot F presses against the cup shaped heel 11 of the shoe 10. When the walking quickly or descending stairs, the stress in the toe box may be extreme. This results in undue pressure on the ball B or on the forefoot M regions of the foot F, which may result in jamming of the toes T. Additionally this pressure results in a loosening and relating slippage of the heel relative to the heel seat 11 (slipping up or sideways) particularly impactful on poorly fitting shoes. Such undue pressure on the ball B or the forefoot M regions of the foot F may result in discomfort, fatigue, and/or injury.

As an additional concern, in the case of a shoe of a conventional type or otherwise, an initial fit may not be perfect (e.g., too loose) and so additional sliding may occur resulting in foot and Achilles tendon damage, footwear damage, blisters, and short-life span for the shoe.

Consequently, there is a continuing need for an improve shoe heel engagement system and method for using the same.

ASPECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a heel engaging support system for use in a shoe may include a heel backing portion; a tongue portion that is generally transverse to the heel backing portion; and at least one predetermined stress concentration line along at least one of the heel backing portion and the tongue portion to facilitate predictable bending of the at least one of the heel backing portion and the tongue portion at the at least one predetermined stress concentration line. The heel backing portion and the tongue portion may be formed from an elastomeric material having a modulus of elasticity for user comfort.

The heel backing portion may include one or more gripping elements, the one or more gripping elements being configured to engage a heel of a wearer. The gripping elements may be transition-able between an expanded state and a contracted or flaccid state. In the expanded state the gripping elements may engage the heel bone of the foot to inhibit sliding of the foot relative to the shoe. In the contracted state, the gripping element may be less prone to inhibit removal or placement of the shoe upon the foot. The one or more gripping elements may be releasably secured to the heel backing portion. The one or more gripping elements may include a plurality of spaced gripping elements. A connecting rib is disposed between adjacent ones of the plurality of spaced gripping elements. At least one of the heel backing portion and the tongue portion are formed from a material that emits a scent. The gripping elements may be inflatable, puncturable and/or self-sealing. A tab may extend from the heel backing portion, the tab being configured to fold over a back portion of the shoe to secure the heel engaging support system to the shoe.

Another alternative aspect of the present invention includes a system that promotes flexibility for a foot insert without resisting the required flexibility for such inserts. Often inserts are rigid or difficult to bend, and the present invention promotes flexibility.

A further alternative aspect of the present invention is a heel engagement system that promotes a cooling effect and air flow channels for the transmission of sweat, perspiration, spillage, water or other moisture and the use of the channels to promote a wicking and drying effect.

A further alternative aspect of the present invention is to provide a heel engagement system that securely grips a foot or a sock while installed so that a better foot grip or sock grip will prevent a sliding of the foot, particularly when the foot or sock is moist or is wet.

A further alternative aspect of the present invention is to provide a heel engagement system that provides a massaging effect during use by pressing and resilient kneading a user's foot and heel region for the loosening of tension (e.g., messaging) and the pressure locations therein to provide a reduction in fatigue and dispersing shock transmitted to the foot (the shock absorbing effect).

A further alternative aspect of the present invention is to provide a heel engagement system readily adaptable to different shoe-types, from dress shoes (male/female) to sneakers to boots and to multiple alternative types suitable for all ages and foot types.

In a further aspect of the present invention, the tongue portion may have a plurality of regions having a height that transitions from a minimum height to a maximum height in a direction toward a centerline extending lengthwise along a length of the tongue portion.

The above and other aspects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals designate the same elements.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a partial sectional view of a conventional raised shoe and foot assembly noting the conventional arrangement containing the provided shoe heel engagement system.

FIG. 2A is a perspective view of an embodiment of a heel engaging support system in accordance with the present disclosure shown with a partially removed adhesive backing cover member.

FIG. 2B is a front view of an alternative heel engaging support system.

FIG. 2C is a top side view of the heel engaging support system of FIG. 2A in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2D is a top side view of the heel engaging support system of FIG. 2A in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a perspective front see-through view or partial cross-section view of a shoe shown with the heel engaging support system of the present invention positioned therewith and coupled to the shoe by wrapping about the inner portion of the heel-cup rim and by descending downwardly along the heel seem location, as shown.

FIG. 4A is a front view of an engaging support system in accordance with the present disclosure with an additional security feature for folding over a heel cup edge and wrapping over the back-side portion of a heel for additional enhanced security.

FIG. 4B is a front view of an engagement support system in accordance with the present disclosure for use in an elongated long-legged boot or shoe, so that the central heel engagement region is spaced by an upper and a bottom flexible securing and air flow portion as shown, wherein the user's heel portion is secured and an extending portion (portion 110A) extends upward along the inner surface of the long-legged boot or shoe.

FIG. 5 is a partial diagrammatic section schematic along Section line 5-5 of FIG. 6, of a gripping element shown being inflated in combination with an inflation device, wherein a partial heel gripping element is shown being inflated and deflated upon the installment of the pump.

FIG. 6 is a front view of an embodiment of another engaging support system in accordance with the present disclosure in combination with an inflation device, similar to that in FIG. 5, prior to being inserted showing internally molded air pathways for inflation for specific nib items.

FIG. 7 is a front view of another embodiment of an engaging support system in accordance with the present disclosure in the form of an illustration noting that the internally molded pathways may extend from a top, a bottom, and along a connection portion and along the heel back region of the securing device molded.

FIG. 8 is a partial sectional see-through view of a portion of a shoe in accordance with the present disclosure noting a connection with internal air-chambers in the heel-opening region and an insole of a shoe with the inclusion of an integrated pump member that operably enables heel air chambers and insole region to be inflated or deflated in accordance with a user's preference.

FIG. 9 is a front view of another embodiment of an engaging support system in accordance with the present disclosure wherein there is a sloped profile for enhanced user comfort with passage grooves molded therein.

FIG. 10 is cross sectional view of the engaging support system of FIG. 9 taken along section line 10-10.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the invention. Wherever possible, same or similar reference numerals arc used in the drawings and the description to refer to the same or like parts or steps. The drawings are in simplified form and are not to precise scale. The word ‘couple’ and similar terms do not necessarily denote direct and immediate connections, but also include connections through intermediate elements or devices. For purposes of convenience and clarity only, directional (up/down, etc.) or motional (forward/back, etc.) terms may be used with respect to the drawings. These and similar directional terms should not be construed to limit the scope in any manner. It will also be understood that other embodiments may be utilized without departing from the scope of the present invention, and that the detailed description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, and that elements may be differently positioned, or otherwise noted as in the appended claims without requirements of the written description being required thereto.

Referring to FIGS. 2A-2B, a heel engaging support system 100 for use in a shoe may include a tongue portion 110 and a heel backing portion 120. The materials forming the support system 100 may provide a cushioning or massaging effect to the foot F of the wearer.

The tongue portion 110 and the heel backing portion 120 may include an adhesive backing 111 that may be peeled off such that the heel engaging support system 100 may be adhered or secured to a heel cup portion of a shoe, for example, heel cup portion 11 of a shoe 10. The tongue 110 may be sized and shaped to be secured to the back of a heel cup region of a shoe or may be long enough to also be placed under the heel of the wearer when the shoe is worn (i.e., in a footbed region of the shoe). It will be understood that the adhesive backing composition may be any suitable adhesive backing involving a cover-release functionality that will also suitably and firmly secure the device to a diversity of footwear; including leather shoes, vinyl inner surfaces, cloth and textile surfaces (in sneakers or boots), and inside other plastic surfaces to provide a secure attachment therewith.

It is to be understood that although shown within a shoe, the heel engaging system 100 may be placed within a boot (see variant with FIG. 4B) having an elongated leg portion extending upwardly along a user's calf from a heel for secure engagement with the foot item. When used with a boot, the heel engaging system 100 may be placed at an appropriate position within the length of the leg portion of the boot such that the heel backing portion engages the heel H to inhibit relative movement or sliding of the foot F relative to the boot.

The heel backing portion 120 may include one or more gripping elements or nibs 130 that engage the heel H region of a user. The heel engaging system 100 including the gripping elements 130 may be formed from a relatively compliant material that conforms to the shape of the wearer's foot and may also provide a massaging effect particularly when walking as the movement of the shoe pushes the foot against the gripping elements 130. For example gripping elements or nibs 130 may be formed from a silicone material that may be clear or filled with a colorant to provide a color matching or attractive user preference color.

Generally, the anatomy of a wearer's heel H includes a calcaneus or heel bone that generally extend out from the talus or ankle bone. The heel backing portion 120 may be shaped to engage the heel H at the juncture of the heel bone and the ankle bone, thereby inhibiting relative movement of the foot F when the heel backing portion 120 is secured within a shoe. The gripping elements 130 may be configured to engage the heel portion H of the wearer's foot F to grip the foot F and inhibit relative movement of the heel portion H of the foot F and the heel cup portion 11 of the shoe 10. Additionally, the elongated portion 110 may provide for a portion to be positioned under a user's heel region for additional support and comfort.

As shown in FIG. 2B, the heel engaging support system 100 may include areas, formed grooves, or formed lines 140 h, 140 v at which folding stresses are concentrated such that that the tongue 110 and heel backing portion 120 may easily fold or bend in a predetermined manner such that the areas between the lines 140 h, 140 v do not crease, bubble, or bunch up, thereby facilitating placement of the heel engaging support system 100 in relatively greater proximity with a surface within the shoe than would otherwise be achievable. The lines 140 h may run generally widthwise along the tongue 110 and the line 140 v may run generally lengthwise along the tongue 110. The line 140 h, 140 v may be grooves that are formed within the tongue 110 and/or the heel backing portion 120. It will be understood that these areas, formed grooves or formed lines may have any suitable profile to reduce bending stress (e.g., a U-shape or V-shape or channel shape) while also allowing the passage of moisture and water vapor therealong during a use.

The heel backing portion 120 may include a plurality of heel gripping elements 130 that extend from a surface of the heel backing portion 120. The heel gripping elements 130 may have a generally cylindrical or cubical configuration, but may be formed in any suitable shape include irregular or regular, hemispherical, ovoidal, etc. without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. The gripping elements 130 may be generally hollow and/or may be air-filled or filled with a compressible material such as a gel or silicone. The heel gripping elements may be releasably coupled (e.g., via an adhesive or the like) to the heel backing portion 120 or may be permanently affixed to the heel backing portion 120. It will be further understood that gripping elements 130 may be provided separately, in a kit format, in combination with the remaining portions of system 100 so that these additional or separate gripping elements or nibs 130 may be positioned by a user on the surface and adhered thereto affixedly for use. For example, a user may have an irregular heel shape, and require additional gripping elements on one side, or along the longer tongue extension portions.

As shown in FIGS. 2C and 2D, the gripping elements 130 of the heel backing portion 120 may be spaced apart from one another. The spacing apart of the gripping elements 130 provides grooves or channels that may provide a wicking effect for sweat or perspiration. As shown in FIG. 2C, the area(s) between adjacent ones of the gripping elements 130 may substantially extend to the surface of the heel backing portion 120. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 2D, ribs 150 may interconnect adjacent ones of the gripping elements 130. The spacing between adjacent ones of the gripping elements 130 may facilitate bending or folding of the heel backing portion 120.

As shown in FIG. 3, the heel engaging support system 100 may be coupled to the shoe 10. In particular, the adhesive backing 111 (FIG. 2A) may be removed from a rear surface of the tongue portion 110 to expose an affixing adhesive surface and the heel backing portion 120, such that the heel engaging support system 100 may be fixably adhered to the heel cup portion 11 of the shoe 10 in which the tongue portion 110 is secured or adhered to a back surface 11 b and the heel backing portion 120 is secured or adhered to an upper portion 11 u. The heel backing portion 120 and the tongue portion 110 may be bent or curved to approximate the shape or configuration of the heel cup portion 11.

In an alternative embodiment, at least one of the heel backing portion 120 and the tongue portion 110, or the elements 130 may be formed and molded from a material that contains or emits a scent and/or absorbs odors (e.g., a carbon absorbing material (scent reduction) or an odor covering scent such as mint or a different cover). Alternatively, a scent stick (not shown) which is a form of small, rigid compressed scent-containing material for example dried spices, incense, or other materials, may be coupled to or inserted in a press-fit into one or both of the heel backing portion 120 and the tongue portion 110. Such scent sticks are small, rigid bodies about 1-2 cm in length, with a diameter of about 0.1+0.4 cm and may be sharp at one end to be pressed into a silicone or other matrix material used in systems 100.

In an embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4A, a securement tab 160, which may further secures the heel engaging support system 100 to the shoe 10 or the like, may extend from the heel backing portion 120 such that when the heel engaging support system 100 is secured within the heel cup portion 11 of the shoe 10, the tab 160 may extend over an exterior rim of the shoe 10 such that movement of the heel backing portion 120 is inhibited by enhancing the securing force of system 100. For example, tab 160 may contain additional adhesive for very secure bonding, and also functions to smooth the transition from the member face of backing portion 120 to the heel-material of the shoe (which could catch foot edge during installation into a shoe and calls stretching, failure, and peeling off the shoe). In a further embodiment alternatively in FIG. 4B, an elongated top tongue portion 110A is additionally provided for use along an inner boot surface where securing tab 160 will not function. Here, top tongue portion 110A allows a further securement of element 100A inside a footwear item having a boot-type top and a top edge distant from a user's heel.

In another alternative embodiment, the tongue portion 110 may extend lengthwise down to a footbed 11 a of the show 10 such that underside of the heel H of the foot F would rest upon a portion of the tongue portion 110 to provide additional cushion and other benefits. When secured to the heel cup 11, the gripping elements 130 of the heel backing portion 120 are positioned to engage the heel H of the foot F to inhibit relative movement of the heel H with respect to the heel cup portion 11.

The gripping elements 130 may be formed from a self-sealing or self-heeling material, such as an NSI rubber composition, that may rejoin the broken material or may have sufficient surface tension such that once punctured, the material seals around the puncture. The gripping elements 130 may be generally hollow and may be inflatable with a substance, such as, air. A cylindrical needle (not shown) may be coupled to a fluid (e.g., air) pump. The cylindrical needle may be inserted into the gripping element 130 to effect filling of the gripping element 130 with fluid (e.g., air). When then the cylindrical needle is removed from the gripping element 130, the material of the gripping element 130 may self-heal or seal such that the air injected into the hollow interior of the gripping element 130 remains within the gripping element 130.

Gripping elements are labeled generally as elements 130. A specific embodiment of a gripping element 130 is shown in FIG. 5. As shown in FIG. 5, a gripping element 130A may include a valve 210 through which fluid or air may be moved into an inner chamber of the gripping element 130A to inflate the gripping element 130A. A pump 202 may be coupled to the valve 210 to inflate the gripping element 130A. As shown in FIG. 6, a heel backing portion 120 may include internal tubing 300 that includes outlets 302 that are configured to be coupled to the gripping elements 130A.

When the gripping elements 130A are coupled to the outlets 302, the gripping elements 130A may be inflated via a valve 303 to fluidically connect the tubing 300 to the pump 200. In an embodiment as shown in FIG. 7, the tubing may be fluidically connected to a bladder 304. The bladder 304 may be compressible to send air or fluid through the tubing 300 such that when the gripping elements 304 are connected to the outlets 302, compression of the bladder 304 sends air or fluid into the gripping elements 130A. Thus, during walking, air or fluid may be continually channeled into the gripping elements 130A. The bladder 304 may also provide a shock absorption function to the sole of a wearer's foot.

The shoe engaging support system 100 described hereinabove is configured to be coupled or secured to a shoe. However, it is contemplated that in other embodiments, a shoe may include gripping elements in the heel cup region that are configured to engage the heel bone of a foot to inhibit sliding of the foot within the shoe. For example, in an embodiment as shown in FIG. 8, a shoe 400 may include an air chamber 402 that is disposed at a lower surface of a footbed 404 of the shoe 300. Tubing 406 may be operably coupled to gripping elements 130A disposed at an upper backend 408 of the shoe 400. During walking, air or fluid may be continually channeled into the gripping elements 130A as the wearer's foot compresses the air chamber 402. The air chamber 402 may also provide a shock absorption function to the sole of a wearer's foot. A release valve 410 may be actuated to bleed air or fluid from the tubing 406 and from the connected gripping elements 130A.

FIGS. 9-10 illustrate a heel engaging support system 500 which is substantially similar to the heel engaging support system 100 described above except in the ways described herein. In particular, the heel engaging support system 500 includes a plurality of gripping elements or nibs 530, which may have the same or varying heights relative to a surface 540 from which they extend and may have varying or similar geometric shapes (e.g., generally rectilinear but there is no limitation thereto, and any other geometric shape may be used without limitation (round, square, pyramidal, frusto-conical, hexagonal, etc.). Similar to the grooves 140 h, 140 v described hereinabove, grooves 540 h (extending widthwise) and groove 540 v (extending along the length of the heel engaging support system 500) divide the surface into a plurality of regions 540R. Each of the regions may have a height that varies along its width, as shown in FIG. 10, such that along its width, i.e., along directional arrow W, the height of the surface 540 may increase from a minimum height h to a maximum height H in a direction toward its center or vertically extending groove 540 v. The profile shown in FIG. 10 provides a sloping profile with enhanced user comfort in a center region and less thickness along an outer region to allow for easy installation in a shoe-heel location in a curved form.

As will be further understood by one of skill in the art, the present inventions may be included in kits (with multiple or single units packaged together) or in combined systems or combined kits (with multiple or single units as disclosed herein in further combination with other foot-type orthotic embodiments, for example the bump-type improvements by Applicant noted in U.S. Prov. Ser. No. 62/146,491 filed Apr. 13, 2015 which is incorporated herein again.

As a further benefit of the proposed invention, those of skill in the art will recognize that the invention has a number of positive benefits in view of the construction and use factors, these include improved blood flow, improved airflow about the foot and reduced moisture, reduced fatigue during use, reduced friction to a foot in a shoe.

Having described at least one of the preferred embodiments of the present disclosure with reference to the accompanying drawings, it will be apparent to those skills that the invention is not limited to those precise embodiments, and that various modifications and variations can be made in the presently disclosed system without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. Thus, it is intended that the present disclosure cover modifications and variations of this disclosure provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A heel engaging support system for use in a shoe, comprising: a heel backing portion that is configured to engage a heel of a wearer of the shoe; a tongue portion that is generally transverse to the heel backing portion; and at least one predetermined stress concentration line along at least one of the heel backing portion and the tongue portion to facilitate predictable bending of the at least one of the heel backing portion and the tongue portion at the at least one predetermined stress concentration line, and wherein the heel backing portion and the tongue portion are formed from an elastomeric material having a modulus of elasticity for user comfort.
 2. The heel engaging support system of claim 1, wherein: the heel backing portion includes one or more gripping elements, the one or more gripping elements being configured to engage a heel of a wearer.
 3. The heel engaging support system of claim 2, wherein: the one or more gripping elements are transitionable between an expanded state and a contracted state by application of an inflation pressure therein.
 4. The heel engaging support system of claim 2, wherein: the one or more gripping elements are releasably secured to the heel backing portion.
 5. The heel engaging support system of claim 2, wherein: the one or more gripping elements include a plurality of spaced gripping elements.
 6. The heel engaging support system of claim 5, wherein: one or more connecting ribs are disposed between adjacent ones of the plurality of spaced gripping elements.
 7. The heel engaging support system of claim 1, wherein: at least one of the heel backing portion and the tongue portion are formed from a material that emits a scent.
 8. The heel engaging support system of claim 3, wherein: the gripping elements are inflatable.
 9. The heel engaging support system of claim 8, wherein: the gripping elements are puncturable and self-sealing such that following being punctured, fluid within the gripping element remains within the gripping element.
 10. The heel engaging support system of claim 1, wherein: a tab extends from the heel backing portion, the tab being configured to fold over a back portion of the shoe to secure the heel engaging support system to the shoe.
 11. The heel engaging support system of claim 1, wherein: the tongue portion has a plurality of regions having a height that transitions from a minimum height to a maximum height in a direction toward a centerline extending lengthwise along a length of the tongue portion.
 12. A heel engaging kit comprising: a heel backing portion that is configured to engage a heel of a wearer of the shoe; a tongue portion that is generally transverse to the heel backing portion; and at least one predetermined stress concentration line along at least one of the heel backing portion and the tongue portion to facilitate predictable bending of the at least one of the heel backing portion and the tongue portion at the at least one predetermined stress concentration line, and wherein the heel backing portion and the tongue portion are formed from an elastomeric material having a modulus of elasticity for user comfort.
 13. The kit, according to claim 12, wherein: the heel backing portion includes one or more gripping elements, the one or more gripping elements being configured to engage a heel of a wearer.
 14. The kit, according to claim 13, wherein: the one or more gripping elements are transitionable between an expanded state and a contracted state by application of an inflation pressure therein.
 15. The kit, according to claim 14, wherein: the one or more gripping elements are releasably secured to the heel backing portion. 